Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: A three-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan will hear, on February 6, the case relating to the appointment of vice-chancellors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) universities.

The bench will be headed by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan.

The vice chancellor positions in 19 universities of KP have remained vacant for over one and a half years.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, has refrained from acting on the recommendations made by the caretaker government in February 2024.

The vice chancellor positions were advertised in 2022 during the previous PTI government, but interviews for potential candidates were not conducted, leaving the matter to the caretaker government. After obtaining permission from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the caretaker government completed the interview process and prepared panels of three candidates for each university.

During this period, three members of the Academic Search Committee (ASC) resigned, and the caretaker government replaced them as per routine to continue the process. By the end of January 2024, the process was completed, but due to administrative snags, the file containing a summary of the recommendations could not reach Governor KP for his final approval.

Upon assuming power, the PTI government rejected the recommendations and, in July 2024, decided to re-advertise the positions and form a new ASC, which included the same members except for one. However, some top-listed candidates challenged this decision in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) in August 2024.

The provincial government argued before the PHC that the ASC members substituted by the caretaker government were not legally appointed, as the ECP's approval was mandatory. The petitioners, however, contended that while the caretaker government had sought ECP permission to proceed with the vice chancellors' appointment process, replacing a few members for a short 28-day period was a routine matter and did not require ECP's approval.

On August 22, 2024, the PHC ruled in favour of the petitioners and directed the government to complete the process as per the law. Nonetheless, the PTI government filed a Civil Petition for Leave to Appeal (CPLA) in the Supreme Court in September 2024. The Supreme Court is set to hear the case on February 6.

Currently, 25 out of 34 universities in KP lack permanent vice chancellors, despite the Supreme Court's directive that provincial governments should not leave such positions vacant for more than six months.

As a result, universities are facing severe financial and administrative crises. The PTI government, despite its claims of prioritizing education, has allocated only Rs3 billion for 34 universities. In contrast, Balochistan has allocated Rs5 billion for 11 universities, Sindh Rs32 billion for 26 universities, and Punjab over Rs12 billion for 52 universities.

University faculty members in KP have strongly criticized the government, accusing it of deliberately pushing universities into financial distress. They claim that excessive hiring was carried out under weak caretaker administrations, and they demand a thorough investigation into appointments made during the current PTI government's tenure.

Moreover, faculty members have pointed out that many universities in KP are located in conflict-prone areas, where weak administrative structures have turned university hostels into safe havens for miscreants, creating a law and order situation and hardships for students and staff alike.

All eyes are now on the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the case on February 6. Education experts and faculty members hope that the court's decision will ensure a transparent and non-political appointment process for vice chancellors in KP universities.

Islamabad: At least three people lost their lives in a tragic car accident in Jalalpur Bhattian, a city in Hafafizabad District early Sunday morning.

According to Rescue officials, the accident occurred when a car, traveling at high speed in foggy conditions, crashed into a wall and claimed three lives on the spot, private news channel reported.

Four others were critically injured in the incident, rescue sources added.

According to rescue sources, the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

An investigation into the accident has been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash.

The authorities have appealed to drivers to exercise caution while driving in foggy conditions and to follow traffic rules to prevent such tragedies.

Islamabad: The International Conference on health, titled 'Transforming Global Health: Tackling Neglected Diseases Through Training and Research,' will be held here from February 17-19.

The conference is being organized by COMSTECH in collaboration with ICESCO and supported by leading partners including the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (UK), Centre de Virologie de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales (CVMIT), and the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APNA).

According to an official of COMSTECH, the event is aimed at tackling the growing burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) through innovative approaches, training, and international collaboration.

NTDs, including leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, and trachoma, disproportionately affect impoverished and marginalized populations, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.

These diseases, often overlooked in global health priorities, pose severe health, social, and economic challenges.

In South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions, the prevalence of these diseases is exacerbated by overcrowded refugee camps, poor sanitation, water scarcity, urban slums, and underfunded healthcare systems.

The conference aims to address these challenges by equipping participants with state-of-the-art tools and methodologies to combat health inequities.

The three-day event will feature expert-led panel discussions, hands-on training sessions, and keynote speeches from renowned scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.

Fifty participants, including 25 international attendees from North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya) and other ICESCO member states, alongside 25 local participants, will engage in knowledge-sharing sessions.

The conference seeks to foster multinational collaborations, advance research opportunities, and promote publications to create lasting solutions for neglected diseases.

The key objectives include raising awareness about NTDs, improving primary healthcare, promoting vector control, and encouraging the development of new technologies and treatments.

By building networks and partnerships, the event aims to catalyze transformative changes in the fight against NTDs, ensuring equitable access to healthcare in vulnerable regions.

The conference will be hosted in a hybrid format, allowing broader participation through online platforms.

The participants can visit the official COMSTECH and ICESCO platforms for registration and additional details.

This collaborative initiative underscores the urgent need for global action to combat NTDs and highlights the critical role of research, training, and partnerships in addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday chaired an Inter-Ministerial meeting to review the preparation for the second round of Pak-Qatar Bilateral Political Consultations scheduled to be held in Doha.

The DPM/FM was briefed about Pak-Qatar bilateral relations and the status of various initiatives in various fields, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

He underscored that preparations should be made for substantive, productive and result-oriented discussions in Doha.

Islamabad: The 9th death anniversary of renowned Pakistani author Intizar Hussain was observed on Sunday by paying glowing tributes through electronic, radio and social media platforms for his classical literary work.

Born in India in 1925, literary icon Intizar Hussain gained wide recognition through his novels, short stories, poetry and non-fiction.

He studied Urdu literature at a university in Meerut, India, and then moved to Lahore.

His 1979 novel, "Basti" (town), was shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize in 2013 after translation. It revolved around the subject of the subcontinent's partition.

Intizar Hussain also remained associated with journalism as he kept on writing columns for leading newspapers till his death.

He received several national and international awards including Sitara-i-Imtiaz from the government of Pakistan.

He died on February 2, 2016, in Lahore.

Islamabad: In Pakistan, the role of women is rapidly evolving. Traditionally, women were expected to manage homes and raise children, but today, they are making significant contributions across all sector, business, healthcare, education, technology, and more.

Women in Pakistan are excelling in fields once dominated by men, challenging stereotypes and redefining their roles in society.

Historically, women were primarily seen in professions like teaching or nursing. Today, they are forging paths in engineering, IT, and robotics.

Many have become successful pilots, doctors, lawyers, and leaders in creative industries like filmmaking, writing, and fashion design. Pakistani women are also breaking new ground in sports, with notable achievements in cricket, football, and athletics on international platforms.

This shift is driven by a changing societal attitude. As families grow more supportive and access to education improves, more women are entering a variety of professions.

Today, many women are running businesses, working in startups, and holding leadership roles across industries, contributing to a more progressive and inclusive future for the nation.

Quaid-e-Azam, Pakistan's founder, emphasized that a nation cannot prosper without women playing an equal role in society. His vision from 1947 laid the foundation for women's empowerment, but much remains to be done to bring that vision to life. While progress is being made, societal restrictions and gender discrimination still limit women's full potential in Pakistan.

Although the global trend of women entrepreneurship is on the rise, the situation in Pakistan remains concerning. Women make up just 23-25% of the labor force, with only 1% being entrepreneurs.

Despite the increasing number of women earning university degrees, only 25% enter the workforce, reflecting a vast underutilization of talent.

Sana, a successful food blogger, talking to reporter emphasized the importance of consistency for success. 'Overnight success is unrealistic,' she says. 'Hard work and perseverance are essential.' She believes food blogging empowers women by offering income opportunities and social freedom, with many women in Pakistan now earning through partnerships and sponsored posts, creating careers and global identities.

Fauzia Kalsoom Rana, Senior Producer for Spotlight with Munizae Jahangir on Aaj TV, also shared with this scribe her insights on succeeding in news production. 'Identifying newsworthy stories and clear communication with the team are key,' she explains. Fauzia encourages women to be confident, assert their skills, and stand their ground when faced with condescending behavior. She stresses the importance of creating opportunities for women and embracing diverse perspectives.

Despite these successes, Pakistan continues to face significant barriers. According to the World Bank, female labor force participation is only 22.8%, one of the lowest in the world.

The deeply embedded patriarchal structure, where men are seen as breadwinners and women as homemakers, restricts women's independence. Furthermore, women face discrimination, harassment, and challenges traveling to work, especially in rural areas.

Education is another critical obstacle. The United Nations reports that the literacy rate for women in Pakistan is only 57%, compared to 70% for men. Cultural beliefs, poverty, early marriage, and limited school infrastructure contribute to low enrollment and high dropout rates among girls. Without education and training, women are left without the skills needed for better-paying jobs or entrepreneurial ventures.

Ifrah Hameed, a graphic designer, in response to media query how young woman can oot this profession shared her advice on success in the design industry.

'Master design principles, industry-standard software, and build an online presence,' she says. Ifrah notes that while there is still room for improvement, women's representation in design is increasing, with many women leading their own design studios.

Fatima Nabeel, an 18-year-old entrepreneur from Lahore, shared how she started her business at 16 using her savings. 'Young girls should step out of their comfort zones and aim for financial independence,' she says.

Fatima emphasizes the importance of breaking traditional norms and pursuing business opportunities early in life.

Mahnoor Qureshi, a broadcast journalist, has faced numerous challenges, including personal attacks and betrayal in her career. Despite these hurdles, she credits her family, especially her sister, for providing support.

'Strong family support is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving success,' she shares.

These stories illustrate the growing role of women in Pakistan's development. Though challenges remain, women are defying societal expectations and carving out spaces for themselves in diverse fields. As they continue to break barriers, they are shaping a brighter, more equitable future for themselves and the nation.